[Shop-talk] How to remove surface rust over entire car?

[Mark Andy]

Howdy,

Years ago, a buddy and I started to rebuild our 2001 CP car (autocross 
car) to be a class leader, and then due to various things (a big one being 
me being a lazy b*stard), its lanquished in a half finished state for 
quite a while.

The basic tub got finished, but we never painted the cage, etc.  After five 
years or so, its now got a coating of surface rust over everything.

My wife Laura mentioned to me yesterday that it would be neat in a few years 
for her & I and our young son (hence the "few years") to finish the car.

Anyway, I'm wondering what I can do with the car to keep "light surface rust" 
from turning into "this is a pile of junk"...  I'd like to get the surface rust 
removed, then paint everything with primer or whatever, something that will 
keep the car from rusting while it sits outside under one of those "temporary" 
tarp/plastic garages with an open floor (on asphalt).

I've heard of acid dipping, sandblasting, or ??  Any recommendations for an 
affordable way to get the surface rust removed from a welded in cage in a car? 
I don't think a wire brush is going to either do a very good job or get in all 
the cracks & crevices.

Its a (very basic) rolling chassis.  There aren't any rubber or plastic or 
whatever components on it that can't very easily be removed to make it all 
metal.

Thanks!

Mark